Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Texas Kidnapping Target (Texas Justice Book 1) by Laura Scott

Book Details: 

Title: Texas Kidnapping Target 

Series: Texas Justice Book 1

Author: Laura Scott

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Release Date: December 24, 2024

Pages: 207  

Genre: Christian Suspense/Clean & Wholesome Romance

Book Description:

A child in jeopardy.

A lawman on a mission.

When an intruder attempts to kidnap rancher Mari Lynch's four-year-old son, she fears it's connected to her ex-husband's criminal past. Texas Ranger Sam Hayward's arrival confirms her worst fears—her ex has escaped prison, making her a target. And when Sam finds a dead body on Mari’s ranch, he suspects the incidents are related. Now Mari must depend on Sam to protect her little boy and catch the culprit. Will they be able to uncover the truth and stay alive, or will they become victims of a deadly conspiracy?

My Thoughts: Great Suspense

This is a wonderful, suspense-filled story. It grabbed me from the start, kept me on my toes, and kept me guessing the entire time. Along with the suspense, there is a blend of romance. However, the suspense and intrigue are the stars of the story. I enjoyed following the changes in Mari and Sam's relationship as proximity and unexpected events kept bringing them closer together, and Theo added a sweet touch to their story. This great suspense story with just the right amount of romance blended in should not be missed.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author: Laura Scott

Laura Scott is honored to write for the Love Inspired Suspense line, where a reader can find a heartwarming journey of faith amid the thrilling danger. A registred nurse by day and an author by night, she has more ideas than time to write! She lives with her husband of thirty-five years in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Visit Laura at www.laurascottbooks.com.



 

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits by Wanda E. Brunstetter & Martha Bolton


Book Details: 

Title: The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits 

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter & Martha Bolton

Publisher: Barbour

Pages: 319

Release Date: January 1, 2025 

Genre: Amish Romance

Book Description:

Why Are Baking Contestants Disappearing?
 
Mysteries have a way of following Fannie Miller, so when she makes it into the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest and contestants start disappearing, she calls on her old friend Foster Bates, a retired cop and part-time private investigator. Could it be that other finalists are somehow responsible for these disappearances, thinning out the competition? Like the couple on verge of divorce who need the prize money, or the three Beiler sisters, always in a huddle whispering. One thing is for certain—Foster and Fannie will stay on the case until the end, and everyone involved will have learned something important about baking contests, solving mysteries, and life.

My Thoughts: A Fun Read

This is a fun and entertaining read with a mix of mystery and intrigue blended in. I loved the quirky characters, which included a naughty parrot, that added moments of laughter to the story. Although the different characters had their own stories and backgrounds blended in, it was easy to keep up with each one and follow the threads of their stories as they added to the main plot. Plenty of great nuggets of information and faith quotes were a nice touch in the story and had me pause to reflect more than once. The great characters, the mystery, and everything else made this a fun and entertaining read one that should not be missed. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Authors: Wanda E. Brunstetter & Martha Bolton

Wanda E. Brunstetter 

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Martha Bolton

Martha Bolton is a prolific author of 89 books, an Emmy nominee, a Dove Award nominee, and a co-author of three NY Times bestselling books. She was nominated for a Writers' Guild Award for her work on the Emmy-winning Bob Hope—The First Ninety Years. She was Bob's first full-time female staff writer and wrote for his television specials and personal appearances.






Monday, December 2, 2024

So Into You by Kathleen Fuller

Book Details: 

Title: So Into You

Author: Kathleen Fuller

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Pages: 347

Release Date: December 3, 2024 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

Book Description:

Opposites attract when an introverted vlogger and a reformed party boy exchange lessons on art, confidence, and yacht rock.

Artist Britt Branch has a successful online channel where she teaches a variety of art lessons. Obsessed with the 1970s, she has a style all her own. But she also has a huge problem--severe social anxiety. She lives with her mom, and while she pays her own bills, she wonders if she'll ever have the courage to move out and move on. When her best friend announces she's getting married, Britt decides it's time to make a change.

Gorgeous Hunter Pickett has always skated by on his model looks, applying very little effort to anything except sports, and even that was iffy at times. The third son of extremely wealthy and successful parents, he dealt with being the black sheep of the family by drinking and using drugs. By his third year of sobriety, he's still dealing with aimlessness. Late one night he catches Britt's channel and ends up watching her videos. He's not interested in art . . . at first. And when he sends her an online message, he's surprised she responds. Before long they are chatting every day, and once they start meeting in person, a spark-filled friendship begins.

But both of them are keeping secrets. Big ones. When all truths are revealed in one pivotal moment, Britt and Hunter are at a crossroads. Will he fight for the happiness he's worked so hard to obtain? And will she continue to hide from life, or can she finally step out of her own shadow?

My Thoughts: Inspiring

Although the story's synopsis grabbed my attention, I truly did not know what to expect from it. But I can honestly say I was completely drawn in and blown away all in one shot.

I greatly enjoyed the development of Brittany and Hunter's relationship and eventual romance. I also enjoyed how the author beautifully combined Brittany's social struggles and Hunter's past issues into their relationship. All of what they were each "uncomfortably comfortable" with was so true to life and added so much depth to Brittany and Hunter's story. I also enjoyed the secondary characters' stories, which intertwined with the main characters without overshadowing them. 

This is an inspiring story of family, overcoming, self-reflection, secrets that come to light, trust, and romance. Yes, it touches on some deep issues that don't normally get talked about in many books, but they are handled beautifully and play an integral part in the story. And although I initially did not know what to expect, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it did not disappoint.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely voluntary and my own.

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About the Author: Kathleen Fuller

 With over two million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the USA TODAY bestselling author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, and the Amish Letters series as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit her online at KathleenFuller.com; Instagram: @kf_booksandhooks; Facebook: @WriterKathleenFuller


 

Sunday, December 1, 2024

A Stolen Kiss (The Heart of the Amish Book 7) by Mindy Steele

Book Details: 

Title:  A Stolen Kiss

Series: The Heart of the Amish Book 7

Author: Mindy Steele

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Pages: 287

Release Date: December 1, 2024 

Genre: Amish Romance

Book Description:

Who Kissed Who First?
 
Full of faith, hope, and romance, the series takes you into the Heart of Amish Country.
 
LeEtta Miller has never done anything spontaneous before, but when a girl is the last one at everything, sometimes she has to take the reins into her own hands. What harm could come from kissing a stranger she’ll never see again?

Benuel Ropp isn’t sure he can ever forgive his father for giving away his inheritance. Taking work far from home, Ben hopes to earn enough to build his future, but nowhere in his plans did he predict being kissed by a beautiful stranger - or having to marry her. To save both their reputations he has little choice but to accept the elder’s demands. Well...if LeEtta thought he’d flinch, letting her boldness ruin the future he had all mapped out, she was mistaken. He has a dream to work for, and if he has to make sacrifices to reach them, so will she.

Who kissed who first? He couldn’t even remember anymore.

My Thoughts: Fantastic, Must-Read

What do you do when you're an only child raised by a single father who has had to learn things as they crop up, and you dream of romance, but your friends constantly comment about you being the last one to be picked? Okay, so maybe kissing a complete stranger wasn't her brightest idea, but she sure didn't think it would lead to marriage. So, what now?

What do you do when your parents shut down your plans and dreams, and you have to start over, and you've lost trust in those you thought you could count on? And what do you do when a beautiful stranger kisses you out of the blue? Okay, so maybe letting himself be drawn to a beautiful stranger and being kissed by her wasn't his best idea, but he sure didn't think it would lead to marriage. So, what now?

I loved LeEtta and Benuel's story. Author Mindy Steele's take on the conventional marriage makes for a stellar story. The characters are wonderful, and the descriptive writing had me bringing up images in my mind, making me feel like I was right there with them, feeling all they were feeling and seeing everything play out. The vivid conversations had me smiling, laughing, cringing, letting out a frustrated sigh, and so much more. The secondary characters added so much to the story, as did the slight touch of intrigue. It all blended together beautifully, making it a fantastic, must-read story. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed and comments in this review are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author: Mindy Steele

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele writes Amish Romance peppered with humor, using her rural surroundings as her muse. She is a best-selling author and the winner of the 2022 and 2024 FHLCW Reader's Choice award for sweet romance. Steele creates realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever-after ending. Readers can find themselves, somewhere within her pages.

https://mindysteele.com/


 
 

Monday, November 25, 2024

An Amish Christmas Table: Four Amish Christmas Sweet Romance Stories by Mindy Steele, Rachel J. Good, Jennifer Beckstrand, Tracy Fredrychowski

Book Details: 

Title: An Amish Christmas Table: Four Amish Christmas Sweet                          Romance Stories

Authors: Mindy Steele, Rachel J. Good, Jennifer Beckstrand,                               Tracy Fredrychowski

Publisher: The Tracer Group, LLC 

Pages: 332

Release Date: October 14, 2024 

Genre: Amish Romance

Book Description:

Step into the cozy, snow-kissed world of Amish country with a collection of heartwarming Christmas stories by four of your favorite Amish storytellers. This holiday season, let the spirit of love, family, and faith fill your heart with these enchanting tales:

An Ideal Christmas by Mindy Steele

Ina Graber has decided on the perfect Christmas gift for her sister, Lavina, and she knows exactly who needs to build it. Now if she can only convince her childhood crush to help her when he doesn’t even know she exists.

Orders are piling up on local furniture maker and widower, Abner Fisher, but when a young woman from by a nearby community asks him to do the impossible, Abner discovers anything is possible this Christmas.

Gathered Around Love’s Table by Rachel J. Good

Miriam Lapp can’t bear to face a lonely Christmas table, which once held her large family, who’ve all gone to Pinecraft to care for her ill grandparents. Miriam has stayed behind to keep her rebellious seventeen-year-old brother, Abraham, out of trouble during Rumspringa. She decides to fill the seats at her holiday table with lonely and homeless people. Little does she know that this simple act of giving will lead her on a journey to warm her aching heart and provide healing for her brother.

One of her guests, Jerry Gingerich, has been struggling since he left the Amish. Reluctantly, he accepts her invitation, but the welcoming atmosphere and kindness he finds at the Lapp home begins to break through his walls. Miriam’s generosity becomes a beacon of hope to him as well as to the others she asks to share her table. But can Jerry open his heart completely, not just to the spirit of Christmas, but to the greatest gift of all – God’s love and forgiveness – so he can find healing, redemption, and love?

Trouble at the Christmas Tableby Jennifer Beckstrand

Eleven-year-old twins Alfie and Benji Petersheim are in big trouble. They’re stuck in the cellar because intruder Zeke Hostetler is sleeping in their bedroom. Worse than that, Zeke is in love with their schoolteacher Sarah Zimmerman. But the worst part is Alfie and Benji accidentally put a long scratch in Mamm’s new kitchen table, and Mamm is going to be very angry when she sees it. Zeke Hostetler comes to the rescue and agrees to secretly fix the table if Alfie and Benji will help him woo Sarah Zimmerman. Unfortunately, if they help Zeke, they’ll lose their favoritest teacher in the world. But if Mamm sees that scratch, she’ll probably put them up for adoption or, worse, give them the spatula.

Alfie and Benji are going to need binoculars, walkie-talkies, three chickens, an unruly dog named Tintin, and a lot of luck to get themselves out of this mess.

Love Beneath the Pine by Tracy Fredrychowski

In the heart of Amish County, among the enchanting snow-covered landscape of Willow Springs, Hannah Schrock’s kitchen buzzes with activity and delightful aromas as Christmas approaches. Overwhelmed by her baking orders and devotion to her ailing grandmother, Hannah finds an unexpected ally in Isaac Kauffman, a gentle soul whose silent love for her has endured for years.

Isaac discovers an antique table in the barn. Even amidst Hannah’s refusal to help him, Isaac embarks on a journey to restore it, uncovering hidden secrets and heartwarming tales of its past owners along the way.

As the holiday season unfolds, Hannah and Isaac navigate a delicate balance between duty and desire, discovering that sometimes the sweetest surprises often emerge from the most unexpected places.

My Thoughts: Absolutely Wonderful

While every story in this compilation is unique, each one will deeply touch your heart. There is love, faith, laughs, tears, reflection, second chances, overcoming, family, and so much more. It truly is a heartwarming read with an extra perk of recipes that are included. An Ideal Christmas by Mindy Steele Abner Fisher doesn’t know what to do when Ina Graber approaches him for help. While he is a man of few words, Ina has enough words and ideas for the two of them and then some. And besides that, he has no time. Oh, but that’s not a problem, as Ina has an idea for that as well. Although Abner has doubts about every idea that Ina throws his way, he begins experiencing a shift in his thinking. It seems Ina’s idea is just what he needs to pull him out of his protective shell to see a new possibility. Ina and Abner's story will take you on a wonderful and enjoyable ride to finally see how it all plays out. Gathered Around Love's Table by Rachel J. Good Jerry Gingerich is in for a huge surprise when Miriam Lapp literally crashes into his world. As their worlds intertwine, Jerry begins to rethink his choices and looks to forgiveness and new hope, while Miriam finds herself on a new path she didn't expect to be on. Their sweet story is sure to touch your heart. An Amish Christmas Table by Jennifer Beckstrand If you haven't met Alfie and Benjie Petersheim before, you are in for the ride of your life. They are out to spoil Zeke Hostetler's plans and save Sarah Zimmerman from him. Unfortunately for Alfie and Benjie, one little mistake has them doing what they never planned to do, and the result is one surprise after another and one laugh after another. It is sweet and entertaining. Love Beneath the Pine by Tracy Fredrychowski Hannah Schrock is on a mission to make sure she properly takes care of and provides for her grandmother. Isaac Kauffman, her neighbor, wants to help her and hopefully grow a relationship with her. When he finds his family's old table and chooses to restore it to help Hannah, he makes a discovery that takes him and Hannah on a hunt to solve a mystery. It also makes Hannah rethink her mission and consider opening up to possibilities. Hannah and Isaac's story is one of discoveries, faith, and love.

                                                   

Friday, November 22, 2024

Redeeming the Past (House of Hope Book 1) by Linda Goodnight


Book Details: 

Title: Redeeming the Past 

Series: House of Hope Book 1

Author: Linda Goodnight

Publisher: Love Inspired

Pages: 250

Release Date: December 24, 2024 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance

Book Description:

Can repairing an old house…

Open the door to a new love?

To make amends for his misspent youth, bodyguard John-Parker Wisdom vows to turn his late foster mom’s property into a home for neglected teenage boys. Only there’s a catch—unexpected co-heir Zoey Chavez. The pretty widow needs the house proceeds to support her children, and she won’t let a former bad boy stand in her way. Now they have three months to agree on a plan or forfeit their shared inheritance. But when John-Parker’s past complicates things as the deadline looms near, will they risk everything for a chance at a forever partnership?

My Thoughts: Heartwarming

John-Parker Wisdom and Zoey Chavez don't know each other, but that changes when John-Parker returns to Rosemary Ridge. His return is not a happy one for Zoey, especially when they are thrust together to honor the terms of a will. Not only do they have to work together, but they each have a different goal in mind. How in the world can two people with such different goals work toward common ground, especially when growing feelings make their way in?

I absolutely loved this story! I especially loved how the author blended love, faith, forgiveness, and second chances with the themes of foster care, recovery from a broken relationship, and judgmental attitudes. Linda Goodnight has done a flawless job of blending these into an awesomely heartwarming story that will deeply touch your heart. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author: Linda Goodnight

NY Times and USA Bestseller, Linda Goodnight writes novels to stir the soul as well as to entertain. Her stories of hope through faith in Jesus have won the RITA, the Carol, the Reviewer's Choice, and other industry awards. A small-town girl, Linda remains close to her roots, making her home in rural Oklahoma. Connect with Linda on Facebook, Twitter, or at www.lindagoodnight.com  



B is for Bonnet (Amish ABC's Book 2) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Details: 

Title: B is for Bonnet 

Series: Amish ABC's Book 2

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher: Kensington Books

Pages: 271

Release Date: January 21, 2025 

Genre: Amish Romance

Book Description:

Raised by their divorced, lapsed Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can't wait to reinvent their lives. The four don't have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their New Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn't be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith . . .

When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it's past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he's instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Kramer, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can't seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time?

A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she's got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she's even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . .

Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.

My Thoughts: Heartfelt

Jonny Schrock has just received some surprising news about his health that has him making some important and life-changing decisions. He is also faced with decisions regarding some of his family relationships. Then, when Treva Kramer becomes an unexpected but welcome inclusion in his life, Jonny's decisions have an even greater impact on him. As the relationship between him and Treva grows, a surprising situation for Treva arises. It has her making some important decisions of her own that will also affect her and Jonny. Along the way, more surprises show up that put some bumps in their growing relationship. But seeing it all play out is a sheer joy to watch. 

Jonny and Treva's story is so heartfelt. Its themes of forgiveness, love, faith, family, and second chances flow through this story in a lovely and exceptional way that deeply touched my heart. It is a wonderful story of love that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author:  Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is the two-time Holt Medallion Award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over one hundred novels. Her novels have been translated into multiple languages and highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, NPR , and USA Today. An active member of her church and the mother of two young adults, Shelley lives with her husband in Ohio and writes full-time. Please visit her online at ShelleyShepardGray.com. 



Sunday, November 3, 2024

Unforgotten (Amish Romantic Suspense Story with Forgiveness and Second Chances) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Details: 

Title: Unforgotten 

Series: Amish Romantic Suspense Story with Forgiveness and                         Second Chances, Book 2 

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray 

Publisher: Revell

Pages: 294

Release Date: November 5, 2024 

Genre: Amish Romance/Amish Mystery

Book Description:

Even though Bethanne Hostetler has found some peace seven years after an attempted assault and the accidental death of Peter Miller, she is still haunted by the memory. When her Englisher cousin, Candace--who has just been crowned Miss Crittenden County--reveals that she has a stalker, all of Bethanne's old fears come rushing back.

Jay Byler had once been Peter's best friend, and the fact that he did not protect Bethanne that fateful night has haunted him ever since. To make matters worse, she continues to avoid him--even as he continues to love her. Jay can only hope and pray that one day Bethanne will see the person he is today and not the boy he used to be.

As Candace's stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain professional distance. When everyone's worst fears are realized, all four must work together to prevent another tragedy before time runs out and another innocent person is hurt.

My Thoughts: Riveting

Cousins Bethanne and Candace come from different backgrounds but are extremely close. After surviving an attack, Bethanne works daily for a sense of normalcy. Candace, who has just won the title of Miss Crittenden County, struggles for normalcy as she tends to the commitments that go with her new title and a potential stalker. While working through their situations, they each find themselves in unexpected company. Bethanne finds herself spending time with Jay, and Candace finds herself doing the same with Ryan. But all the while, danger is lurking in the wings, taking this romance story in a completely different direction. 

The result is a mix of romance and suspense that's beautifully put together  The fantastic characters and riveting story kept me glued to the pages all the way to the end. This heartwarming and heart-stirring story is wonderful, captivating, and one that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She's published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full-time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time online! Please visit her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com, to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.